Why you should stretch before and after your workout
Why you should stretch before and after your workout. As we all stuck inside for the foreseeable future, many people are using this time to get fit and healthy.
And while exercising is important, so is stretching your muscles. However, many people tend to skip over this step. When it comes to your pre workout, stretching can decrease your risk of injury.
Stretching after your workout is equally important. Post workout stretches are great at aiding your body to remove excess lactic acid out of your muscles. This can help to ease any soreness the next day.
Here are just some reason why you should add stretching to your workout routine.
Reasons For Stretching
- Reduce tension in your muscles and promote relaxation
- Increase your range of motion
- Decrease the risk of back issues
- Improve circulation
- Avoid strain on your muscles and joints
Reasons To Avoid Stretching
- If you’ve had a recent injury, like a bone fracture or sprain
- You may suffer from any joint inflammation
- If you have osteoporosis
Seated Hamstring Stretch
Put one leg in front of you and bent your other knee, allowing your bent thigh to rotate to the side. Place your arms on the ground behind your pelvis.
Remember to sit with a straight back. This will ensure that your posterior ligaments on your pelvis and spine are not loaded.
Move your upper body forward until you feel tension in your hamstring. Hold this stretch for 10-15 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Standing Hip Stretch
While standing, step back with your left foot and lower the other knee into a high lunge. Keep your back straight. You should feel slight tension in the front of your hips and upper thigh.
Keep your knee at a 90-degree angle. Hold for 10-15 seconds and return to a standing position. Repeat with your other leg.
Chair Stretch
This is a stretch for your upper back and shoulders. Kneel on the floor in front of a sturdy chair with your forearms crossed and resting on the seat.
Take a deep breath and, as you exhale, let your head and chest sink below the chair seat. You should feel the tension in your upper back. Hold for 10-15 seconds and release.
